Free Playing for Keeps/A Tempting Stranger by Lori Copeland Page A

filled her senses. Unbidden, her arms slipped cautiously up around his neck, her body unconsciously snuggling in closer to his. His hands began to trace light exploring patterns on the sheer, clinging material of her robe.
''You know, Jessica, I've spent more than my share of long, lonely nights waking up in a cold sweat wanting to see those lavender eyes of yours looking at me with hungry anticipation," he said quietly, his husky, deep voice barely a whisper, "and I swore that if I ever got you out of my mind, I'd never let you back in. No, you're just another woman nowa very desirable one, I'll admitbut I know lots of desirable women," he added, "so that shouldn't bother me." Jessica was beginning to feel light-headed, her body molded so tightly to his she could feel the first stirrings of his manly passion. "So," he continued, his eyes still locked with hers, "don't misunderstand the reason for your living in my home. You're my housekeepernothing else."
Jessica glared back at him boldly, still locked tightly in his arms. "I wouldn't have it any other way," she assured him.
"Fine. Just so we understand each other. As I said, you're a damn desirable woman, so if you ever feel the need for a 'one night stand,' I'd be more than happy to oblige you, but there will never be anything permanent between us again. Understood?"
Well, really! Jessica thought rebelliously. Who does he think he is? The big, conceited oaf thought that her main goal in life would be to get in his bed! Well, she'd play his

 

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stupid little game and happily come out the victor. Putting on the meekest of her faces, she lowered her eyes respectfully and said in a quiet, sedate voice, ''I understand, Jason. I'll try to stay out of your way as much as humanly possible." Bringing her mouth close to his, she brushed her lips lightly over his, feeling his body tense instantly. "Thank you for being such a wonderful man. Running my farm, letting me come and live in your house."
Jessica released a long wistful sigh, then abruptly captured his mouth with hers, searing his lips with a bold, demanding kiss, her soft moist tongue scrimmaging playfully to meet his.
Jason, momentarily stunned, hesitated for a fraction of a second before his mouth took possession of hers. The room grew very silent as they stood locked in each other's arms, their mouths sweetly devouring each other. Jessica's knees began to tremble as Jason deepened the kiss, his lips moving hungrily against hers. His hands cupped her buttocks, moving her in closer against the lean tautness of his muscled thighs.
Jessica moaned softly as he broke the kiss, whispering huskily, "What in the hell do you think you're doing, lady?"
Jessica closed her eyes, savoring the feel of his beautiful, strong body next to hers. She ran her hands lightly over his heavily corded arms as he brought his mouth back down to merge helplessly with hers once again. What had started out to be a game had suddenly turned quite serious. Jessica had to put a stop to it immediately. She started to pull away determinedly, but Jason blocked her move effectively, his arms tightening like a steel vise around her slim waist. "Oh, no you don't, Angel," he breathed raggedly. "You started this, now I'll finish it!" His mouth caught hers one more time, leaving Jessica trembling at the intensity of his ravishing kiss. She leaned closer to his granite body, pressing herself tightly against him as he caressed the softness of her breasts. Jessica felt herself

 

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drowning in his arms, powerless to keep her overwhelming feelings of love for him from rapidly surfacing again.
Jessica broke away violently, fighting to regain some semblance of composure. What had gone wrong? She was supposed to be in firm control of this situation. Jason's heavy breathing filled the quiet kitchen as his emerald-green eyes locked with her lavender ones obstinately. Drawing a shaky breath, Jessica pasted a condescending smile on her flustered face. ''Well,